Story perspectives

Press Council Issues Protest Reporting Guidelines After Delhi Detentions

By Drooid · Oct 16, 2026, 10:47 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Press Council of India issued fresh guidelines on October 15, 2026 to protect journalists covering protests.
The advisory follows detention of 35-43 journalists in Delhi on October 10-11, 2026.
Journalists must carry valid press ID cards and display them on lanyards at all times.
Reporters must keep distance from clashes and plan escape routes.
Reporters must never handle tear-gas or flash-bang devices.

History

Historical Context

The 1975 Emergency, when Prime Minister Indira Gandhi suspended civil liberties and silenced the press, set a precedent for state-driven media control. In October 2026 the Press Council of India ordered journalists covering Delhi protests to wear ID lanyards and have escape routes, a rule enforced by Delhi Police that echoes the Emergency’s legacy of curbing press freedom.

1 of 2

Story summary

Press Council of India issued fresh guidelines on October 15, 2026 to protect journalists covering protests.
The advisory follows detention of 35-43 journalists in Delhi on October 10-11, 2026.
Journalists must carry valid press ID cards and display them on lanyards at all times.
Reporters must keep distance from clashes and plan escape routes.
Reporters must never handle tear-gas or flash-bang devices.

1 / 2